Resistor Terms:
'A', 'B', 'C', 'D/E', 'F-L', 'M', 'N', 'O', 'P', 'R', 'S', 'T', 'V-Z'
Active Resistor: A Semiconductor IC that acts as an active resistor. Companies that manufacture Active Resistors
Adjustable Resistor A variable resistor. A Potentiometer is a variable resistor designed for a large number of adjustments, while a Trimmer is a variable resistor designed only for a small number of adjustments.
A slide-type wire-wound resistor is shown below, note the securing screw to hold the wiper in position.
Slide-Type, Wire Wound Resistor
Aluminum Housed Resistor A resistor encased in an aluminum housing normally having a flat base for chassis or heat sink mounting.
Aluminum Housed Resistor
Ambient Temperature: The temperature of the air surrounding an object. The temperature used as ambient temperature in data sheets is 250C, which is different than 'room temperature'.
Attenuator: A resistive network that produces a reduction in amplitude. Common resistor terminators; 'Pi' Attenuator Pads, 'L' Attenuator Pads, or 'T' Attenuator Pads. Refer here for detailed Resistor Attenuator Circuits.
Companies that manufacture Chip Attenuators
L Pad Attenuator
Array: A resistor array is a group of resistors contained within a single package, but normally isolated from one another. Companies that manufacture Resistor Arrays. The term Array and Network are interchangeable but in many cases a resistor network references a group of resistors interconnected in some fashion while a resistor array refers to a group of resistors that do not interconnect. [Schematic Resistor Array]
10-Pin SIP Resistor Array
Axial Leaded: Both leads of the component travel along the axis, one lead on either side of the component. A through-hole resistor. Design hint: Surface Mount resistors are preferred because of their smaller size and lower lead inductance.
Axial Lead Resistor
Example Standard Axial lead families; MIL-R-10509F. Refer to the table [right] for some standard size axial leaded resistors.
